Russia tries to keep BMP-3 relevant with new weapon options
New iterations of a 57mm gun system highlight a push towards multi-role turrets capable of countering armour, drones and aerial targets.
FN Herstal has introduced a new self-powered shot counter for the FN Scar family of rifles called FN SmartCore.
The system uses fully automated software to provide precise information about a firearm. It acts as an electronic logbook of the maintenance history of the firearm, along with information such as the number of shots (blank, live and dry firing being discriminated) fired, its base location, whom it is issued to and its operational condition.
The device is located inside the lower receiver of the weapon and detects firing by using the rearward movement of the moving parts. It requires no battery.
The system can collect information automatically or upon request with no impact on the user’s mission. Any data is transmitted wirelessly at short-range only and upon request, ensuring it is undetectable and there is no unintentional emission.
New iterations of a 57mm gun system highlight a push towards multi-role turrets capable of countering armour, drones and aerial targets.
The agreement points to growing international interest in mobile and survivable artillery systems, with further orders and export opportunities already emerging.
The UK’s Defence Investment Plan splurges big for future air and naval programmes, including new hybrid ships, but there are fewer big-ticket items for British Army vehicles. Shephard’s Damian Kemp looks at the much delayed plan.
DroneShield has been at the forefront of CUAS capability despite being founded only 12 years ago. The company’s early move into the counter-drone arena has put it on the crest of the rapidly expanding technology field.
This month’s land forces highlights were dominated by the eventful Eurosatory exhibition, particularly in the area of tanks, while separately the JLTV programme took another twist and Canada opted for HIMARS.
Uncrewed and counter-uncrewed systems were a major feature of this edition of Eurosatory 2026 along with programme updates and first sight of new main battle tanks.